Were you recently diagnosed with Endometriosis? Or maybe you suspect you have Endo, either way, welcome to the club! In Jan. 2023, our co-founder, Elle Shelley Black, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Endometriosis. She launched Same Skincare to create products that are free from harmful and toxic chemicals in a response to her diagnosis. At Same, we understand how daunting it is to be diagnosed with or even manage Endo so we created this easy guide on how to avoid Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) so you can manage your symptoms while still living your best life.
First, what are Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)? They're these pesky toxins that can interfere with hormonal balances. Sadly, they are found in a variety of products, from plastics and cosmetics to food packaging and pesticides. And while it can be crazy making to try to eliminate them from your life completely, you can work to avoid them as much as possible.
EDCs can interfere with your endocrine system and may play a role in the progression or intensity of endometriosis. We created this guide on how to avoid EDCs while still enjoying your life.
Personal Care Products
- Skincare & Cosmetics: Look for products labeled as free from parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. Choose skincare made with Certified Organic Ingredients to avoid accident exposure to toxins. Remember, your skin eats too so feed it with the finest ingredients you can!
- Feminine Hygiene Products: Use organic and unbleached cotton products to reduce exposure to dioxins and fragrances.
Food and Nutrition
- Choose Organic: Whenever possible, choose organic fruits, vegetables, and meats to avoid pesticides and herbicides. Read that one again!
- Throw Away Non-stick Cookware: Non-stick pans and utensils to reduce exposure to PFOA and PFAS. Use glass, stainless steel, or cast iron instead.
- Avoid Plastic Food Storage: Store food in glass or stainless steel containers rather than plastic. Don’t microwave in plastic containers or with plastic wrap. Plastic can release harmful BPAs when heated.
Household Tips
- Cleaning Products: Use natural cleaning solutions like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. Avoid air fresheners with synthetic fragrances.
- Furniture and Carpets: Choose items made with natural materials and without flame retardants.
- Dust Control: Dust with a damp cloth and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to reduce household dust that may contain EDCs.
Clothing and Textiles
- New Clothes: Wash new clothes before wearing to remove any chemical treatments from the manufacturing process.
- Materials: Choose clothing made from natural fibers, and be cautious of garments labeled as “wrinkle-free” or “stain-resistant,” as they may contain formaldehyde.
Lifestyle
- Stress Management: Stress can affect your hormones. Practices such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can be beneficial.
- Sleep: Ensure a good night’s sleep. Sleep is the new sex, truly!
Reducing Exposure
- No More Plastic Water Bottles: Use stainless steel or glass water bottles instead of plastic.
- Do Not Touch Receipts: Opt for electronic receipts when available, as thermal paper often contains bisphenol-A (BPA).
Try Tracking
- Symptom Tracking: Keep a diary of your symptoms and any new products or changes in your environment to help identify potential triggers. Our founder, Elle Shelley Black, did this and found that synthetic fragrances was a huge trigger for her.
One final word: While it’s challenging to eliminate all exposure to EDCs, making informed choices can help reduce your overall risk and potentially improve your endometriosis management. Small, consistent changes can make a significant impact on your health and well-being. <3
Did we miss anything? Any other tips or tricks to offer?
